STONINGTON FLAG FOOTBALL MAKES SAFETY PRIORITY ONE

To help ensure the safety of every child, the Stonington Flag Football organization: Performs background checks all coaches Hires only trained officials to ensure that “safe play” is enforced Requires players to wear a mouth guard Requires concussion awareness training and certification for all coaches Has adopted a rule book with an emphasis on player safety Coach Background Checks All coaches are background checked through the Sentinel Background Checks Program.  Sentinel Background Checks is a world wide provider of comprehensive pre-employment background checks. Each background check includes county, state and federal criminal record checks, identity verification, and a National Sex Offender search.  All reports are reviewed to ensure FCRA compliance. Screening includes: Identity verification National Criminal Database search All available state sex offender registries search Social security number verification
Trained Officials All game officials for Stonington Flag Football are provided by                                  educating and supplying game officials and referees for many of the area's school and private youth and adult sports leagues.  Each official is required to know and apply the rules properly and to work effectively to ensure that “safe-play” is enforced.   Officials are expected to demonstrate good communication skills and manage the game accordingly at all times. In addition, a site supervisor is present at all games.
Mouth Guards All Stonington Flag Football players are required to wear a protective mouth guard at all times the ball is in play. Though the primary role of mouth guards is the protection of the teeth and orofacial structure, claims have been made that there is a relationship between mouth guards and the prevention of cerebral concussion. While there is no scientific proof that wearing a mouth guard can prevent a concussion, there is agreement among many experts in the field that properly fitted mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment for kids participating in contact sports.
Concussion Awareness Training for all Coaches All Stonington Flag Football Coaches are required to complete the CDC Heads Up Concussion Awareness online training certification.
Game Rules With An Emphasis on Player Safety Stonington Flag Football enforces rules that emphasize player safety by: Ensuring the game is non-contact (no blocking or tackling) Instituting “No-Inside Run Zones” to avoid short yardage, power running plays No fumbles (ball is dead) No contact with the quarterback No metal cleats allowed No shorts/pants with belt loops or pockets (to protect fingers, hands) No punts